5 Questions You Should Know the Answers to Before You Talk to A Web Developer [Part I]

When you’re ready to have a company build your website, do you have a good idea of what you want? Do you know what you’re looking for as far as the look and feel? Better yet, do you know what your customers will expect from your website?

These are all important questions to ask yourself before even starting to research Web Design/Development companies.

But let’s dig deeper into each one, shall we?

1. Who is your target audience?

Building a website just for the sake of having one is no longer going to cut it. It’s critical that you start by defining who you’re building your website for. Defining your target audience will drive design, site architecture, content…everything!

Ask yourself:

Who is your ideal customer?

How would they like to view the information you want to provide?

What would they find aesthetically pleasing?

What kind of content would they like; that would convert them from a visitor on your site to a customer?

A good web development company will be able to help you think through this process – and also put these somewhat idealistic thoughts into action – but it’s crucial you, as the business owner, know your customer.

2. What is the purpose of your website?

At the end of the day, you’re in business to make money. Let’s be honest. How you make that money – or how much you make – is entirely up to the strategy you choose to create.

On your website, it’s critical that there is a purpose.

Are you trying to sell your products? (Then you need an Ecommerce site.)

Are you trying to share information about your organization? (Then you need to do it in a way that will interest your visitors.)

Are you trying to sell your services? (Then you need to show why there is value in them for your prospects.)

Are you trying to create valuable content for your visitors? (Then, again, you need to do it in a way that makes sense for them.)

3. Who’s creating the content for your site?

Content is always the step that, bar none, is the most difficult for companies to execute during the web development process.

It seems like it will be simple: “We are in the trenches of our business each and every day. We know it like the back of our hands. Of course we can write about ourselves!” is the sense a lot of companies have.

When it comes to sitting down and writing that content? It’s a different story.

Come to terms early on with whether or not you’re legitimately going to be able to create valuable content for your website. If not – it’s ok! We’re not all writers and that’s why there are copywriters out there.

Either way, knowing whether you are internally prepared to create the content for your website or if you need to hire an outside source is vital.